COVID-19: Foot and Ankle

Last updated Jan. 4, 2021:  Learn how UCSF is making surgery safe during COVID-19. Learn more.

Under San Francisco's current health order, all medical services, including routine and preventive care, are considered essential. Please contact us to make a telehealth visit  or an in-person visit. For in-person appointments, all clinical staff – doctors, physician assistants, clinical personnel -- will be wearing both face masks as well as eye shields or face shields for our patients' safety.

Service Line Update:  Foot and Ankle

The Division of Foot and Ankle at UCSF remains committed to providing the appropriate musculoskeletal care to those dealing with pain and functional limitations caused by previous and new injuries during this pandemic. We recognize how difficult it is for you to not get the usual care you expect and deserve, and we will do our utmost to work within our constraints to help you through this process.

We have transitioned the vast majority of our clinic visits to Tele-health/ video visits where we can evaluate your progress, discuss symptoms, and review imaging including x-rays and MRI. We are also available for ‘in-person’ visits that are deemed necessary by the medical staff.

Acute Injuries: In some situations, patients may have a new injury or exacerbation of a previous injury that needs attention. We have providers in the Foot and Ankle group on-site for urgent appointments, and urgent video visits can be scheduled as well. We are available through MyChart as well to answer questions via email and through the electronic medical record.

Cortisone Injections: Given the fact that surgeries are being delayed, it seems appropriate to provide cortisone injections as an alternative for temporary pain relief. As of now, based on a discussion with your provider, cortisone injections of the ankle can still be performed at the Orthopaedic Institute.

Braces/ Orthotics: For certain injuries, your provider may recommend a brace or orthotic. The UCSF Orthotics & Prosthetics Department is open to the public; we can also order the appropriate brace/ orthotic.